As we reported in the November edition of the Sutton Chatter (see link below) the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) provided a response to SSAG’s letter of October 4, 2019 (see below).

In short for those who haven’t had a chance to read the Chatter, DPIE advised they are aware of the high level of community interest in this project and that DPIE had been in contact with Renew Estate who advised the Response to Submissions Report “will be provided by late November 2019“. SSAG will be notified if this document is lodged and in turn SSAG will notify the community.

DPIE also reminded Renew Estate of the importance of keeping the community informed on the progress of the project and requested it update the local community on the status of the project. DPIE further advised SSAG they “will follow up further the community’s concern that these updates have not been provided“.

It is November 23 and Renew Estate has not contacted anyone nor have they added any new information on the project website. To refresh your memory their last Newsletter was dated August 2018. The first three Newsletters were listed in their News section and the last two were found in another part of the website, in you were looking for them follow this link: https://www.springdalesolarfarm.com.au/project-documents

What wasn’t in DPIE’s response was any kind of acknowledgement or apology about how poorly this project is tracking against DPIE’s own internal benchmarks. Since the close of submissions on 29 Aug 2018, 451 calendar days or 316 work days have passed. DPIE’s own benchmark for assessing State Significant Development’s is 149 days, (doesn’t say whether this is work days or calendar days). Assuming it is work days this project is now 167 days over their own benchmark, almost half a years deviation!!

Inquiry into sustainability of energy supply and resources in NSW

Almost 250 submissions (including SSAG’s, see last Post for link) were received in response to the inquiry, including community groups, local councils, the NSW Government, energy companies, trade unions, and individuals.

Notably Renew Estate was not listed as having provided a submission, however, their partner company Energy Estate’s submission (see link below) was promoting hydrogen in the Hunter Valley. https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ladocs/submissions/65653/Submission%20-%20240.pdf

In a Media Release dated 24 October 2019 (see link below), Alex Greenwich MP, Committee Chair said “To get this right, we have to hear directly from the people who will experience the most significant impacts of any change. This means understanding any concerns, and making sure communities are supported in a way that serves them and their local economy and environment best”.
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ladocs/other/12725/Inquiry%20update%20-%20sustainability%20of%20energy%20supply%20and%20resources%20in%20NSW.pdf

Site visits and public hearings, including locations and dates, will be announced on the Committee’s webpage. https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2542#tab-hearingsandtranscripts

SSAG will follow this with interest to see where and when these will be held. At the time of posting there are none scheduled. SSAG will be pushing for one to be held here.

If you are interested in reading some of the submissions here is the link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2542#tab-submissions

Large-Scale Solar Energy Forums Outcomes

Who says persistence doesn’t pay off? The SSAG has finally tracked down the elusive ‘Outcomes’ document for the three forums (Armidale, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga) held earlier this year. DPIE’s response to SSAG on 24 October advised that the ‘Action Plan’, as it is known as, is being finalised by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and SSAG will be notified when it is publicly available.

Presentations for the three forums are available on the DPIE website:
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Renewable-Energy/Large-scale-Solar-Energy-Guideline

SSAG also notes that in 10 days time it will be six (6) months since the last forum was held in Wagga Wagga which SSAG representatives attended.

Independent Planning Commission (IPC Review)

You may be aware that Rob Stokes, Minister for Planning of Public Spaces has requested the Productivity Commissioner conduct a review of the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) following some controversies around recent IPC decisions. A report of the review is expected back to the Minister by mid-December 2019.  The Terms of Reference for the Review are available here: http://productivity.nsw.gov.au/ipc-review

SSAG will also follow this inquiry.

Latest Edition of the Sutton Chatter